Crop Rotation Group
Chenopodiaceae (Beet family)
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Soil
Rich, moisture retentive soil which has had compost dug in.
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Position
Shade or partial shade.
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Frost tolerant
Yes, survives winter with mulch in milder areas.
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Feeding
Not needed for spring crops grown in rich soil, but older plants benefit from feeding with a liquid feed during the growing season, when they show vigorous new growth.
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Companions
-
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Spacing
Single Plants: 20cm (7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 15cm (5") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Best sown during the cooler months. Can be sown in containers during cold weather or sown direct if not too cold.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Keep well watered. Hot or dry conditions can make it bolt (run to seed) which reduces production of usable leaves considerably. Sow another crop in late summer/early autumn.
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Harvesting
Pick a few leaves at a time to allow the plant to continue producing more.
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Troubleshooting
Slow growth and yellowing leaves indicate nutritional stress. Drench with a water soluble plant food.
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